Cumbria Substance Use: Engagement and Recovery Support Service 

Cumberland Council, acting as lead authority on behalf of both Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council, has procured a provider for the provision of the Cumbria Substance Use: Engagement and Recovery Support Service, for a term of up to 10 years. Under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, local authorities have a statutory responsibility for improving public health, which includes commissioning services that prevent harm and support recovery from substance misuse.

This responsibility is reinforced by national guidance and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) commissioning standards. Substance misuse remains a major public health challenge in Cumbria, with high rates of drug- and alcohol-related deaths and significant health inequalities across the county.

The estimated total value of the contract over the total contract period (including any extension period) is a maximum value of up to £24m excluding VAT, but no guarantee is given as to the actual value of the contract. The initial contract period is six years, running from 1st October 2026 to 30th September 2032.

Two optional extension periods of up to 24 months each are available. If both extensions are utilised, the contract will end on 30th September 2036.

Use of these extensions is entirely at the discretion of the Council. Bids were evaluated according to the criteria as set out in the Invitation to Tender.

This contract has been awarded in accordance with the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. In accordance with Regulation 12 of the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, the contracting authority shall observe a standstill period of eight working days following publication of the notice of intention to award